Samson Concert 88From real comments

Verdict distilled from 17 mentions across 10 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment44%
PROS 44%
CONS 56%

Rank based on 17 mentions across 10 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a UHF wireless system priced below pricier $500+ competitors
  • You need balanced and unbalanced outputs for flexible camera or guitar setups
  • You value quick transmitter pairing and solid mic sound quality

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need reliable range close to the advertised 300 feet
  • You can't tolerate random popping or cracking during recording
  • You want hassle-free transmitter-to-receiver pairing without support calls

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

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1Premium
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
31Mid
Samson Concert 88
Fast Transmitter PairingGood Balanced/Unbalanced OutputsSolid Mic Sound QualityRandom Popping NoisesMono/Single Channel Audio IssuesPairing Failures
Samson Concert 88
Fast Transmitter Pairing
Good Balanced/Unbalanced Outputs
Solid Mic Sound Quality
Random Popping Noises
Mono/Single Channel Audio Issues
Pairing Failures

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality and setup speed impress many first-time users. Multiple reviewers highlight how quickly the transmitter picks up and pairs, along with praise for both balanced and unbalanced output quality. Some call the mic sound genuinely good, with one user planning to keep using it for more gigs and another considering it over AKG after research. For entry-level to mid-range buyers, it's seen as a reasonable value against costlier wireless options.

Popping, cracking, and dropouts frustrate several owners. Multiple users report random popping across multiple earset units they can't replicate or force, while others describe cracking and popping during venue setup. One user notes the system has an auto-mute feature that triggers on dropouts, confirming connection drops occur. A small group reported real-world range under 50 feet versus the promised 300, alongside poor sound quality, leading to regret over the purchase.

Pairing and channel routing issues cause ongoing headaches. Several comments describe transmitters that stop pairing entirely, even after technical support replaced the receiver, and one previously working mic that wouldn't reset. Others struggle to get audio into both left and right channels when feeding a DSLR or editing in iMovie, getting only mono output. A reviewer also notes a common setup mistake: forgetting to release the button after setting frequency for it to connect.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?